The first cohort of master of arts in business administration students in the College of Business Administration began classes on Aug. 22. The program is an on-campus program that has a similar curriculum to the nationally ranked master of business administration program.

The master of arts in business administration is cohort-based, meaning students stay together in the program through graduation. This allows students to form lasting personal and professional relationships with their peers.

“The MABA is an accelerated approach to traditional graduate business education especially designed for students who did not major in business,” said Donde Plowman, dean of CBA. “It meets the needs of those who want to start their next chapter prepared for today’s businesses challenges.”

Students finish the accelerated program in 11 months, beginning in August each year. The students take classes on campus from August to May, work at their guaranteed three-credit-hour internship and take an online class in the summer term, and graduate the following August.

Through the expedited program, students will rigorously study all functional areas of business with a focus on strategic business framework. CBA staff will also help each student to secure an administrative internship, providing hands-on experience to enhance their resume.

“This year’s MABA cohort represents a wide array of undergraduate disciplines represented,” said Nichole MacDonald, managing director of CBA graduate programs. “With backgrounds ranging from an opera singer to a biochemist, this group’s diversity will bring unique perspectives to the classroom.”

Students in the first cohort are: Cameron Palmer, Gilbert, Arizona, graduated from UNL; Katelyn Geary from Lincoln, graduated from UNL; Garrick Walker, from Lincoln, graduated from UNL; Ashley Humm, from Lincoln, graduated from UNL; Hasitha Jankey, from Hyderabad, India, graduated from G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science; Tate Rittenberger, from Gretna, graduated from UNL; and Laura Ulibarri, from Victorville, California, graduated from UNL.

Applications for the program are accepted until May 15. However, students who would like to be considered for fellowships and graduate assistantships should apply by March 15. For additional information on the program, contact MacDonald at 402-472-2338 or cbagrad@unl.edu.